Shortly after the New York Jets fell to 3-9 via a 26-21 home loss to the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday afternoon, multiple reporters mentioned that quarterback Aaron Rodgers may not make another start for the Jets before the two sides part ways this coming offseason.
However, Jets interim coach Jeff Ulbrich confirmed on Monday that Rodgers will get the nod over primary backup Tyrod Taylor when New York plays at the 5-7 Miami Dolphins on Sunday.
“We have great belief in Aaron. We really do,” Ulbrich said about Rodgers, per Brian Costello of the New York Post. “We think he gives us the best opportunity to win. After assessing yesterday’s game, I thought there were moments in the first half where you saw Aaron Rodgers. I thought there were moments even in the second half where you saw Aaron Rodgers. Then, there were moments that he didn’t play to his standard and he’d tell you the same. We believe that he gives us the best opportunity to win so he’s our quarterback.”
Rodgers completed 21-of-39 passes (53.9%) for 185 yards with two touchdowns and an interception that was returned for a score against the Seahawks. He’s now lost eight of his last nine starts and is ranked in the bottom half of the league in multiple passing categories.
It’s no secret Rodgers has dealt with ankle, knee and hamstring injuries throughout the fall. Thus, it’s understandable many assumed the future Hall of Famer who turned 41 years old on Monday would want to shut things down with the Jets essentially out of playoff contention.
“I think injury has a lot to do with what his numbers are this season,” Ulbrich said. “He’s battled through a lot of things regardless of your age. What he’s had is something some guys in this league might not play with. He’s a tough guy and he feels a high level of accountability to his teammates. That’s why he’s out there every week for us. We believe as he gets healthier and his mobility starts to improve, you’re going to see a better and better version of him.”
It remains to be seen if the Jets will ever have such a version of Rodgers in the lineup after he suffered a torn Achilles four offensive snaps into the 2023 season. Multiple reports have suggested team owner Woody Johnson will want a new general manager and new head coach to pick a different QB1 during the upcoming offseason. The Jets could release Rodgers if he doesn’t retire before the new league year opens in March.
Ulbrich insisted that Rodgers is “our quarterback” for beyond the Miami game. As of early Monday afternoon, DraftKings Sportsbook listed the Jets as 6.5-point underdogs against the Dolphins.
With rookie Jordan Travis seemingly on track to remain sidelined through Week 18, the Jets apparently feel there’s no benefit to turning to Taylor (35 years old) despite Rodgers’ lackluster play.
